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FAA Physicals Specialist

Vinu Ganti, MD Our Services FAA Physicals

Vinu Ganti, MD

Internists located in Germantown, MD

If you’re a pilot or are looking to become one, you’ll need to pass a physical exam before the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will officially grant you clearance to fly. Vinu Ganti, MD, is a knowledgeable physician who has conducted numerous FAA physicals for his patients in Germantown, Maryland. To learn more about what an FAA physical entails, or to schedule your appointment today, call the office or use the online booking tool.

FAA Physicals Q&A

What is an FAA physical?

An FAA physical is an inspection of your physical health, mental health, and medical history to determine if you’re fit to pilot an aircraft. The FAA requires them to ensure that you, air travelers, and the general public would not be negatively impacted by your piloting an aircraft.

In order to ensure the quality of your physical exam, the FAA requires that you have a specially licensed Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) perform it. Dr. Ganti is a licensed AME, and he has significant experience in administering FAA physicals at his office. He can ensure that your physical is quick, easy, and compliant with all FAA guidelines. 

If you pass your FAA physical, you’ll be given a medical certificate that you need to keep with you at all times while piloting.

Do I need an FAA physical?

You need to successfully pass an FAA physical if you want to pilot any of the following:

  • Airline transport
  • Commercial flight
  • Private flight
  • Recreational flight

You also need a medical certificate if you want to be the pilot-in-command for flight instruction and be a flight engineer or flight navigator. Student pilots also need to pass an FAA physical successfully and get a medical certificate. 

If you’re piloting a balloon or glider, the FAA does not require you to hold a medical certificate.

What’s involved in getting my FAA physical?

When you get your FAA physical, Dr. Ganti begins by reviewing your medical history. He might ask for clarification on past conditions or operations and will note the dates, frequency, and severity of any significant findings.

Then, he conducts a thorough inspection of your physical and mental health. This involves taking measurements, such as your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. He also inspects your eyes, ears, nose, and throat, assesses the health of your organs, and might ask for a urine sample.

After he’s finished, he decides on your qualification for a medical certificate and completes all of the necessary forms.

What conditions can prevent me from passing my FAA physical? 

There are certain conditions that the FAA considers a liability to being able to pilot an aircraft safely, such as:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Cardiac valve replacement
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Heart replacement
  • Having a permanent cardiac pacemaker
  • Psychosis
  • Substance abuse or dependence

To learn more about FAA physicals, or to start the process of getting your medical certificate, schedule a visit with Dr. Ganti today by calling the office or booking online.

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